Struggling with smart-casual office wear

[officewear]

I started a new job recently and will be doing 2 days a week in the office and 3 days WFH.

I went to the office for the first time last week. The dress code says smart-casual unless you are meeting clients. I wore a black blouse, black skinny jeans and some ballet flats. I felt really over-dressed and uncomfortable.

My colleagues were wearing a mixture of things - e.g. one was wearing blue jeans, a colourful blazer, and some loafers and one was wearing blue jeans and a t-shirt and Nike trainers.

I'm still new so wanting to make a good impression, but I did feel really over-dressed and a bit embarrassed. Plus my shoes were so uncomfortable that on the way home I went and bought some trainers to wear for the commute home.

Are trainers acceptable to wear in the office? I have some Converse - would it be ok to wear those? Are blue jeans ok, the dress code says 'smart jeans' are ok - does that mean just black or is blue ok too?

I will eventually summon up the courage to ask a colleague but for now I am asking Mumsnet for help and advice!

Thank you

I am feeling the same OP. Due to maternity leave and lockdown I haven't been in the office for two years and during that time our dress code has morphed into smart casual. I don't think I really understand what that means

To be honest though your outfit sounds fine to me. Which bit made you feel overdressed?

How about flat boots instead of trainers, could that work?

I’ve very much a black pair of trousers and nice top person when it comes to office wear.